The News
Tuesday 16 of April 2024

Puerto Rico Taxi, Tourist Bus System Hit by Uber Protest


Photo illustration of logo of car-sharing service app Uber on a smartphone over a reserved lane for taxis in a street in Madrid,photo: Reuters/Sergio Pérez, Illustration, File
Photo illustration of logo of car-sharing service app Uber on a smartphone over a reserved lane for taxis in a street in Madrid,photo: Reuters/Sergio Pérez, Illustration, File
Uber officials have said they want to start operating in Puerto Rico as soon as possible

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico’s capital is being hit by a protest against the anticipated arrival of ride-booking service Uber.

Taxi drivers, tourism operators and others say they’re joining a one-day protest in San Juan. Organizers are demanding that Uber drivers pay the same fees and meet the same government requirements as they do.

Protesters also say they will lose money with Uber’s arrival amid a worsening 10-year economic crisis in the U.S. territory.

Taxis were scarce in some parts of the capital Tuesday and some tourist excursions were canceled.

Uber officials have said they want to start operating in Puerto Rico as soon as possible.

Uber already operates in more than 400 cities and has faced protests organized by taxi drivers in several.